Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of the University of Macau: Beyond Boundaries: New Modes of Access and Accessibility through Emerging Technologies Symposium, at University of Macau Library on March 25th – 27th, 2026.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Information Technology Section, together with the IFLA Asia–Oceania Regional Division and the University of Macau Library, is pleased to invite your participation for our 2026 symposium:
Beyond Boundaries: New Modes of Access and Accessibility through Emerging Technologies Symposium, at University of Macau Library on March 25th – 27th, 2026.
Coordinators: Edmund Balnaves (Chair, IFLA IT Section), Lilly Hoi Sze Ho (IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division), May Chang (IFLA IT Section Mentor), Billy Tak Hoi Leung (Assistant University Librarian, University of Macau Library), Priscilla Nga Ian Pun (Functional Head, University of Macau Library).
Theme:
This symposium will be hosted by University of Macau Library on 25th to 27th March 2026 and focuses on practical and collaborative approaches to improve access to library and archival collections. By integrating emerging technologies, institutions are creating new models for engagement, discovery, and learning. The symposium welcomes papers, workshops and presentations that showcase real-world projects, technical innovations, and cross-sector partnerships driving inclusive access across cultural and linguistic communities.
Libraries today face rapid technological change and rising expectations from diverse user communities. Immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital holography are redefining how users access and interact with collections and spaces, while artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming discovery, access, and service delivery. At the same time, multilingualism and cultural inclusivity are essential to ensure that these new technologies extend access rather than restrict it. These emerging technologies are also transforming modes of accessibility for libraries.
Hosted by the University of Macau Library, in collaboration with the IFLA Information Technology (IT) Section and the IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division Committee, this symposium aims to:
- Showcase international best practices in applying immersive technologies.
- Explore innovative approaches to multilingual and inclusive access, to services, resources and space.
- Examine the role of AI in access and accessibility for library services.
- Encourage dialogue between technologists, librarians,
academics, and policymakers in Asia-Oceania region and beyond.
- Explore regional collaboration in this area and the work of
the IFLA Asia-Oceania Regional Division.
We invite papers, presentations workshops, and demonstrations, organized around the following topics:
- Immersive Technologies for Library Engagement: Immersive learning spaces, virtual exhibitions, and digital heritage preservation.
- Multilingualism and Inclusive Design: Leveraging machine translation, natural language processing, and cross-cultural user experience design.
- AI for Discovery and Access: Intelligent search, recommendation systems, and the ethical implications of AI in library services.
- Accessibility in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Ensuring equitable access for users with disabilities and underserved communities.
- Collaborative Futures: Regional and international partnerships for advancing library technology for accessibility across the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) and information management sectors.
For more information, please refer to the Symposium website.
